The Experience

Now how many Irish cottages come with an outdoor pool? Next to the road but shielded by hedges, it even has sea views! You are at the tip of the strikingly beautiful Sheep’s Head peninsula, a paradise for walkers, and we couldn’t better poet Seamus Heaney’s description: ‘Things found clean on their own shapes; water and ground in their extremity.’ Laharandota was the house of an artist for many years; it still shows. Everything inside is in the best possible taste and breathes a generous spirit: a wonderful kitchen with big Rayburn stove, art, objets and a fabulous hamper, a claw-foot bath, a glass-walled sun room, nooks, crannies and a rustic fireplace that roars in winter. Next-door’s studio, often rented to the same party, provides comforts on a reduced scale, but the light, the art, the sea views are the same. Hike a part of the Sheep’s Head Way: ‘the best walk in Ireland’ says Country Walking magazine. Head for the lighthouse, look out for choughs and peregrines. Shops and restaurants are a short drive away, lovely Bantry Town and sandy Barleycove beach are not much further. Inspirational.

Reviews

Beautiful cottage, beautiful location. We spent a week here, enjoyed every moment and were sad to leave. This lovely place will not disappoint. Highly recommended - Go - you will be charmed and captivated.

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Yvonne, DonegalSep 2018

A really beautiful cottage in a gorgeous location, overlooking the coast of the Sheep's Head peninsular. The cottage is tastefully decorated and incredibly comfortable, with the added bonus of a pool, amazing! The view particularly from the terrace where we ate breakfast is stunning and our 2 dogs loved the coastal walks from the cottage. Plenty of places to eat and drink within a short drive.
We plan to return as soon as possible.

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Catherine, HuddersfieldJul 2018

The Artist's Cottage drew us in immediately, with its pool and Atlantic views. Julie was charming; I have only praise for this experience and we intend to return. The cottage belongs on the pages of an interiors magazine - rustic, perfectly appointed and artistic touches throughout. We slept well in White Company bedlinen, soaked in the slipper bath, relaxed in the pool, played games by candlelight. Many touches that our toddler enjoyed and we grownups soaked up the view, particularly at sunset. Go, it will enchant you. The Wild Atlantic Way will supercharge and relax you in equal measure.

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Helen, OxfordJul 2018

We stayed in Julie’s cottage/studio and enjoyed a fantastic few days in stunning surrounds. The place is just a gorgeous place to stay with fantastic attention to detail. The bed was incredibly comfortable, great showers and the studio has absolutely everything you need to really feel comfortable and happy in your time there. As a host julie could not have been more helpful and altogether I would describe it as a delightful and memorable few days. Only wish it could have been a bit longer.

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Liz, DublinMar 2018

This is one of the best cottages we have ever stayed in one of the most beautiful places. Everything is thought of - beautifully comfy beds with White Company bedding, amazing art, a lovely turf open fire and a homely Rayburn to cook on. Julie went out of her way to look after us - we arrived on a Bank holiday so she told us where we could shop and booked a table for us in a local pub. We found the Sheep's Head peninsula utterly enchanting. Great for walks, great for swimming, lovely cafes and everywhere we were welcomed with characteristic West Cork warmth. We can't wait to go back.

The neighbourhood

Local points of interest from Julie FitzGerald Vitelli

Stroll down the lane from the cottage directly on to The Sheep's Head Way, one of Ireland's 31 Waymarked Ways (marked trails).

Laharandota is towards the end of the Sheep's Head, directly on the Wild Atlantic Way, with views over the Mizen Head. We are just a 5-minute drive from Kilcrohane village with 2 pubs, a restaurant and local producers' market.

Enjoy a taste of West Cork, named the winner of Ireland’s Top 10 Foodie Destinations for 2017 by The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI).

If you do not fancy yourself as a 'wild rover', there's always riding, cycling, sailing, kayaking, diving, golf and cookery classes.

Magnificent Bantry House and gardens a half-hour drive away, with the local Friday Market in the town square as well as great pubs and restaurants.

Explore Blue Flag status Barleycove beach over on the Mizen Head, as well as Schull village and the Visitor Centre well worth a visit.